Adaptor for connecting a fluid package to a dispenser bottle

ABSTRACT

Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to refill a fluid dispenser bottle. An adapter is used to connect a fluid package to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct configured to convey a fluid being transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle; a fluid package coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the fluid package so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the fluid package; a dispenser bottle coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication with the dispenser bottle; and at least one orifice disposed offset from the duct for venting the dispenser bottle when fluid is transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/323,043, filed Dec. 12, 2011, entitled “ADAPTOR FORCONNECTING A FLUID PACKAGE TO A DISPENSER BOTTLE”, which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to refilling a fluid dispenserbottle, and more particularly to adapters, systems, and methods that canbe used to refill a dispenser bottle.

There are a wide variety of fluids that are dispensed from dispenserbottles. Such fluids include edible fluids such as ketchup, mustard,barbeque sauce, mayonnaise, etc., as well as a many other fluids. Theseother fluids include both viscous and non-viscous fluids. Exemplaryviscous fluids include ultrasound gels used to ultrasonically coupleultrasound transducers (e.g., an imaging transducer, a therapeutictransducer) with a patient.

Existing dispenser bottles include dispenser bottles configured to behand held. Such a hand-held dispenser bottle is often flexible so thatthe fluid can be dispensed by squeezing the bottle to discharge thefluid through a dispenser nozzle. The amount of fluid held in such adispenser bottle may be, however, relatively modest given weight andsize constraints consistent with ease of use. As a result, a largenumber of such dispenser bottles, following dispensing of the fluidthere from, become emptied of the fluid to a point that inhibits furthereffective dispensing of the fluid without refilling of the dispenserbottle.

Unfortunately, existing approaches used to refill dispenser bottles maybe less than desirable due to being time consuming, messy, expensive,and/or inconvenient. For example, some ultrasound gels are relativelyviscous and can be somewhat sticky, thereby making it a more difficultand time consuming effort to refill a dispenser bottle with such anultrasound gel. In many applications, such as medical applicationsemploying ultrasound gels, the expense associated with refilling adispenser bottle is greater due to the high cost of the personnelinvolved. As a result, it may be more economical to just discard thedispenser bottle once it becomes depleted rather than incur the expenseassociated with refilling the dispenser bottle. Such an approach,however, results in a good deal of wasted material (e.g., the dispenserbottle, any residual fluid in the dispenser bottle) as well asassociated disposal issues and expense.

Accordingly, improved approaches for refilling dispenser bottles aredesirable. Such improved approaches should provide for convenient andeconomical refilling of dispenser bottles, especially where viscous andpossible sticky fluids such as some ultrasound gels are involved.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to refill adispenser bottle. The disclosed adapters, systems, and methods providefor convenient and economical refilling of dispenser bottles, and can beparticularly beneficial when used in conjunction with refillingdispenser bottles used to dispense a viscous and/or somewhat stickyfluid, such as an ultrasound coupling gel. While embodiments of theadapters, systems, and methods disclosed herein are described primarilyin conjunction with ultrasound coupling gels, such adapters, systems,and methods can be used in conjunction with any suitable fluid, bothedible and non-edible.

Thus, in one aspect, an adapter is provided for connecting a fluidpackage to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct, a fluidpackage coupler, a dispenser bottle coupler, and at least one orifice.The duct is configured to convey a fluid being transferred from thefluid package to the dispenser bottle. The fluid package coupler iscoupled with the duct and configured to couple with the fluid package soas to place the duct in fluid communication with the fluid package. Thedispenser bottle coupler is coupled with the duct and configured tocouple with the dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluidcommunication with the dispenser bottle. And the at least one orifice isdisposed offset from the duct. The at least one orifice vents thedispenser bottle when fluid is transferred from the fluid package to thedispenser bottle.

In many embodiments, the duct is configured to discharge the transferredfluid into the dispenser bottle so that the discharged fluid does notinhibit the venting of the dispenser bottle through the at least oneorifice. For example, the duct can be configured to discharge fluidtransferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle offset fromthe at least one orifice. The duct can extend beyond both ends of the atleast one orifice. And the duct can extend into the dispenser bottlewhen the dispenser bottle coupler is coupled with the dispenser bottle.The duct can have a discharge cross section from which fluid transferredfrom the fluid package to the dispenser bottle is discharged, thedischarge cross section having an area less than an area of a receivingcross section of the dispenser bottle across which the discharge fluidpasses.

In many embodiments, the adapter includes one or more threadedinterfaces. For example, the fluid package coupler can include athreaded interface configured to couple with a complimentarilyconfigured threaded interface of the fluid package. And the fluidpackage coupler can include a female coupler configured to couple with amale coupler of the fluid package. The dispenser bottle coupler caninclude a threaded interface configured to couple with a complementarilyconfigured threaded interface of the dispenser bottle. And the dispenserbottle coupler can include a female coupler configured to couple with amale coupler of the dispenser bottle.

In many embodiments, the adapter includes multiple orifices, which areused to vent the dispenser bottle during refilling. For example, theadapter can include a plurality of orifices, each of the orifices beingdisposed offset from the duct. In many embodiments, the adapter includesfour orifices. And in many embodiments, the orifices are uniformlydistributed around the duct.

The adapter can include a fluid control valve that can be used tocontrol fluid flow between the fluid package and the dispenser bottle.For example, the adapter can include a one-way valve configured toinhibit fluid flow from the dispenser bottle to the fluid package. Theadapter can include a valve operable to control flow of the fluidthrough the duct. And the adapter can include a rotary valve operable tocontrol flow of the fluid through the duct.

In another aspect, a system is provided for refilling a dispenser bottlewith a fluid. The system includes a reservoir for storing a quantity ofthe fluid and an adapter configured to couple the reservoir with thedispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct, a reservoir coupler, adispenser bottle coupler, and at least one orifice. The duct isconfigured to convey a quantity of the fluid being transferred from thereservoir to the dispenser bottle. The reservoir coupler is coupled withthe duct and is configured to couple with the reservoir so as to placethe duct in fluid communication with the reservoir. The dispenser bottlecoupler is coupled with the duct and is configured to couple with thedispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication with thedispenser bottle. And the at least one orifice is disposed offset fromthe duct. The at least one orifice vents the dispenser bottle when thequantity of the fluid is transferred from the reservoir into thedispenser bottle. The system can include a valve operable to controlflow of the fluid through the duct. And the system can include a rotaryvalve operable to control flow of the fluid through the duct.

In many embodiments, the reservoir is flexible so that it can bedeformed using hand pressure to increase pressure within the reservoirto promote transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the dispenser bottle.The reservoir can include a plurality of impermeable membrane panelsthat are bonded together to form a flexible fluid retaining body. Themembrane panels can include, for example, two or more bottom panels thatform a gusseted base configured so that the reservoir will remain in anupright orientation when placed on a horizontal support surface.

The reservoir can include other suitable features. For example, thereservoir can include an inlet/outlet port configured to couple with thereservoir coupler so as to place the reservoir in fluid communicationwith the duct. The reservoir can include at least one hanging feature,such as at least one hanging opening that is configured to receive asupport member so that the reservoir can be suspended in an invertedorientation in which the inlet/outlet port is oriented to dischargefluid downward into the dispenser bottle. And the reservoir can includea carrying handle, such as a carrying handle opening disposed in an areahaving a top panel of the reservoir bonded to a side panel of thereservoir.

In another aspect, a method is provided for refilling a dispenser bottlewith a fluid. The method includes coupling an adapter fitting to thedispenser bottle; coupling the adapter fitting to a reservoir containingthe fluid; transferring a quantity of the fluid from the reservoir,through the adapter fitting, and into the dispenser bottle; and ventingthe dispenser bottle via at least one orifice in the adapter fittingduring the transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenserbottle.

The method can further include acts used to promote the transfer of thefluid from the reservoir to the dispenser bottle. For example, themethod can include deforming the reservoir so as to increase pressure inthe reservoir to promote the transfer of the quantity of the fluid intothe dispenser bottle. The method can include orienting the reservoir inan inverted orientation and orienting the dispenser bottle in an uprightorientation so that the quantity of the fluid is transferred in adownward direction from the reservoir into the dispenser bottle. And themethod can include hanging the reservoir in the inverted orientation.

In another aspect, a method is provided for refilling a dispenser bottlewith a viscous fluid. The method includes providing a flexible reservoircontaining the viscous fluid, the flexible reservoir formed from aplurality of flexible membrane panels including two or more bottompanels that form a gusseted base configured to support the flexiblereservoir in an upright orientation when placed on a horizontal supportsurface; placing the flexible reservoir in an inverted orientation,wherein the viscous fluid does not flow out of the flexible reservoirthrough an open orifice in the flexible reservoir; and deforming theflexible reservoir so as to increase pressure in the flexible reservoirto eject a quantity of the viscous fluid through the open orifice intothe dispenser bottle.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the presentinvention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed descriptionand accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a system for refilling adispenser bottle, the system including a reservoir and an adapterfitting coupling the reservoir to the dispenser bottle, in accordancewith many embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating components of thesystem of FIG. 1 as well as an optional valve, in accordance with manyembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adapter fitting for use in refillinga dispenser bottle, in accordance with many embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an adapter fitting for usein refilling a dispenser bottle, in accordance with many embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another adapter fittingfor use in refilling a dispenser bottle, in accordance with manyembodiments.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter fitting for use inrefilling a dispenser bottle, the adapter fitting including a one-waycheck valve, in accordance with many embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating deformation of a flexiblereservoir to promote fluid flow into the dispenser bottle and venting ofthe dispenser bottle during refilling of the dispenser bottle, inaccordance with many embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram listing acts of a method for refilling adispenser bottle with a fluid, in accordance with many embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram listing additional acts that can be usedin the method of FIG. 8, in accordance with many embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram listing acts of a method for refilling adispenser bottle with a viscous fluid, in accordance with manyembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, various embodiments of the presentinvention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specificconfigurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present invention can be practicedwithout the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may beomitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment beingdescribed.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numeralsrepresent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows a system10 for refilling a dispenser bottle 12, in accordance with manyembodiments. The system 10 includes a fluid package 14 that can besuspended in an inverted orientation as illustrated in FIG. 1, and anadapter fitting 16 that is used to couple the fluid package 14 with thedispenser bottle 12.

The fluid package 14 includes a flexible reservoir 18, an inlet/outletport 20, a carrying handle opening 22, and two hanging openings 24. Theflexible reservoir 18 is formed from a plurality of impermeable membranepanels that are bonded together along perimeter portions of the panels.The impermeable membrane panels include two bottom panels 26 that form abase to support the fluid package in an upright orientation when thefluid package is placed on a horizontal support surface. Each of the twobottom panels 26 is bonded into both a side panel of the flexiblereservoir 18 and to the other bottom panel, thereby forming a base thatincludes two bonded strips between the bottom panels 26 and a respectiveside panel of the flexible reservoir 18 and a bonded strip between thetwo bottom panels 26. These three bonded strips provide a stablegusseted base that supports the fluid package 14 in the uprightorientation when the fluid package 14 is placed on a horizontal supportsurface. The two hanging openings 24 are disposed at the bottom of thefluid package in a perimeter portion of the bottom panel 26, which isbonded to a perimeter portion of a side panel of the flexible reservoir18. While two bottom panels 26 are shown forming the gusseted base, morethan two bottom panels can also be used to form a stable gusseted base,thereby providing additional bonded strips.

The inlet/outlet port 20 is disposed at the top of the flexiblereservoir 18 adjacent to the carrying handle opening 22. The top of theflexible reservoir 18 can include a top panel that is bonded to sidepanels of the flexible reservoir 18 along perimeter portions of the topand side panels. The inlet/outlet port 20 can be bonded into theflexible reservoir 18. For example, a length of the top panel perimeterportion can be bonded around a perimeter portion of the inlet/outletport 20 and a length of a side panel perimeter portion can be bondedaround the remaining perimeter portion of the inlet/outlet port 20. Theinlet/outlet port 20 provides a fluid path through which the flexiblereservoir 18 can be filled with fluid and through which fluid can betransferred from the flexible reservoir 18 to refill the dispenserbottle 12. The carrying handle opening can be disposed in a perimeterportion of a side panel. And for added strength, the carrying handleopening can be disposed in an area where a perimeter portion of the sidepanel is bonded to a perimeter portion of the top panel.

While the fluid package 14 is described as having the flexible reservoir18, any suitable type of reservoir can be used. For example, a suitablenon-flexible reservoir can be used. When a non-flexible reservoir isused, a means for increasing pressure within the non-flexible reservoircan be used to promote transfer of fluid from the non-flexible reservoirto the dispenser bottle 12 during the refilling of the dispenser bottle12.

In FIG. 1, the fluid package 14 is shown in an inverted orientation thatcan be used to promote transfer of fluid from the flexible reservoir 18into the dispenser bottle 12. The fluid package 14 is suspended in theinverted orientation from support members 28 that engage the hangingopenings 24. The dispenser bottle 12 is suspended from the adapterfitting 16, which is suspended from the fluid package 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of components of thesystem 10. An inlet/outlet port cap 30 can be coupled with theinlet/outlet port 20 to prevent fluid from escaping the fluid package 14when the fluid package 14 is not being used to refill the dispenserbottle 12. The inlet/outlet port cap 30 can have an internal threadconfigured to interface with a complementarily configured externalthread of the inlet/outlet port 20. The adapter fitting 16 includes afluid package coupler 32 that is configured similar to the inlet/outletport cap 30 so that the fluid package coupler 32 can be attached to theinlet/outlet port 20.

The adapter fitting 16 includes a dispenser bottle coupler 34. Thedispenser bottle coupler 34 is configured to couple to the dispenserbottle 12. For example, the dispenser bottle coupler 34 can have aninternal thread configured to interface with a complementarilyconfigured external threaded portion of the dispenser bottle 12.

The system 10 can optionally include a valve 35 that is operable tocontrol flow of the fluid from the fluid package 14. The valve 35 can beincorporated in any suitable way. For example, the valve 35 can be addedin-line between the inlet/outlet port 20 and the adapter fitting 16 bycoupling one end of the valve 35 to the inlet/outlet port 20 and theother end of the valve 35 to the adapter fitting 16. As another example,the valve 35 can be an integral part of the adapter fitting 16. Anysuitable type of valve can be used as the valve 35. For example, thevalve 35 can be a rotary valve, for example, a ball valve. Inclusion ofthe valve 35 may be especially beneficial where the fluid in the fluidpackage 14 is substantially non-viscous.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the adapter fitting 16. The adapterfitting 16 includes four orifices 36 (three shown and one hidden fromview), which vent the dispenser bottle 12 when fluid is transferred fromthe fluid package 14 to the dispenser bottle 12. The orifices 36 placethe inside of the dispenser bottle 12 in fluid communication with theatmosphere, thereby providing a venting path for the discharge of airfrom the dispenser bottle 12 during the refilling of the dispenserbottle 12.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another adapter fitting 38, inaccordance with many embodiments. The adapter fitting 38 includes afluid package coupler 40, a duct 42 attached to the fluid packagecoupler 40, a dispenser bottle coupler 44, and a partition 46 thatattaches the dispenser bottle coupler 44 to the duct 42. The partition46 has multiple orifices 48 distributed around the duct 42.

The fluid package coupler 40 has internal threads configured tointerface with complimentarily configured external threads of the fluidpackage. When the fluid package coupler 40 is coupled to theinput/output port 20, the duct 42 is placed in fluid communication withthe fluid reservoir of the fluid package. While a threaded interface isshown, any other suitable known coupling interface can be used to couplethe adapter fitting 38 to the input/output port 20.

The duct 42 extends beyond both ends of the orifices 48. A dischargecross section 50 of the duct 42 is offset from the orifices 48, whichmay help to keep the fluid being transferred away from the orifices 48and thereby avoid plugging the orifices 48 or escaping through theorifices 48. The discharge cross section 50 has a cross-sectional areathat is less than an area of a receiving cross section of the dispenserbottle across which fluid discharged from the duct 42 passes. Thedischarge cross section 50 is also offset laterally from the orifices,which also serves to keep the fluid that is discharged from the ductfrom plugging the orifices and/or escaping from the orifices.

The extended duct 42 includes external male threads that match theexternal male threads of the input/output port 20 so that theinlet/outlet port cap 30 can be coupled with the extended duct 42. Sucha configuration allows the adapter fitting 38 to remain attached to thefluid package 14 while also preventing fluid from escaping the fluidpackage 14 when the fluid package 14 is not being used to refill thedispenser bottle 12. While a threaded interface is shown, any othersuitable known coupling interface can be used to couple the inlet/outletport cap 30 to the extended duct 42.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another adapter fitting 52, inaccordance with many embodiments. The adapter fitting 52 is configuredsimilar to the adapter fitting 38, but has a duct 54 that, while notextending beyond both ends of the orifices 48 as in the adapter fitting38, is offset from the orifices 48 and has a discharge cross section 56that has a cross-sectional area that is less than an area of a receivingcross section of the dispenser bottle 12 across which fluid dischargedfrom the duct 54 passes.

The inlet/outlet port 20 and/or the duct 42, 54 can be configured basedon the viscosity of the fluid in the fluid package 14 so that the fluiddoes not flow out of the fluid package 14 without an increase ininternal pressure within the fluid package 14. For example, such anincrease in pressure can be selectively caused by squeezing or otherwisedeforming the fluid package 14 to force the fluid out through theinlet/outlet port and/or the duct 42, 54. With such a configuration, thedispenser bottle need not be coupled to the fluid package 14, but can beheld underneath and the fluid selectively squirted into the dispenserbottle by selectively deforming the fluid package 14. Other means ofincreasing pressure within the fluid package can also be used, such asinjecting pressurized air into the fluid package 14.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another adapter fitting 58, inaccordance with many embodiments. The adapter fitting 58 is configuredsimilar to the adapter fitting 52 of FIG. 5, but includes a one-wayvalve 60 that inhibits flow of the fluid from the dispenser bottle 12into the reservoir 18.

FIG. 7 illustrates venting of the dispenser bottle 12 during refillingof the dispenser bottle 12, in accordance with many embodiments. Withthe fluid package 24 in the inverted orientation and the dispenserbottle 12 attached to the fluid package 14 via the adapter fitting 16,the reservoir 18 is deformed (e.g., using hand pressure), therebyforcing fluid from the reservoir 18 through the adapter fitting 16 intothe dispenser bottle 12. The fluid is discharged from the adapterfitting duct into the dispenser bottle 12 at the discharge cross sectionof the duct. Because the discharge cross section of the duct has a crosssectional area that is less than the area of the receiving cross sectionof the dispenser bottle, air in the dispenser bottle that is displacedby the incoming fluid has a pathway to reach the orifices and be ventedthere from. The configuration of the adapter fitting provides forcontinuous venting of the displaced air in the dispenser bottle duringrefilling of the dispenser bottle.

FIG. 8 lists acts of a method 70 for refilling a dispenser bottle with afluid, in accordance with many embodiments. The method 70 includescoupling an adapter fitting to the dispenser bottle (act 72); couplingthe adapter fitting to a reservoir containing the fluid (act 74);transferring a quantity of the fluid from the reservoir, through theadapter, and into the dispenser bottle (act 76); and venting thedispenser bottle via at least one orifice in the adapter fitting duringthe transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser bottle (act78).

FIG. 9 lists additional acts that can be used in the method 70 of FIG.8, in accordance with many embodiments. As optional acts, the method 70can also include deforming the reservoir so as to increase pressure inthe reservoir to promote the transfer of the quantity of the fluid intothe dispenser bottle (act 80); orienting the reservoir in an invertedorientation and orienting the dispenser bottle in an upright orientationso that the quantity of the fluid is transferred in a downward directionfrom the reservoir into the dispenser bottle (act 82); and hanging thereservoir in the inverted orientation (act 84).

The method 70 can be practiced using any suitable reservoir, adapterfitting, and dispenser bottle. For example, the method 70 can bepracticed using the reservoirs, adapter fittings, and dispenser bottlesdescribed herein.

FIG. 10 lists acts of a method 90 for refilling a dispenser bottle witha viscous fluid, in accordance with many embodiments. The method 90includes providing a flexible reservoir containing the viscous fluid,the flexible reservoir formed from a plurality of flexible membranepanels including two or more bottom panels that form a gusseted baseconfigured to support the flexible reservoir in an upright orientationwhen placed on a horizontal support surface (act 92); placing theflexible reservoir in an inverted orientation, wherein the viscous fluiddoes not flow out of the flexible reservoir through an open orifice inthe flexible reservoir (act 94); and deforming the flexible reservoir soas to increase pressure in the flexible reservoir to eject a quantity ofthe viscous fluid through the open orifice into the dispenser bottle(act 96). Act 94 can be accomplished by, for example, hanging theflexible reservoir in the inverted orientation.

The method 90 can be practiced using any suitable reservoir anddispenser bottle. For example, the method 90 can be practiced using thereservoirs and dispenser bottles described herein. And method 90 canalso be practiced using the adapter fittings described herein.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof areshown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

All references, including publications, patent applications, andpatents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the sameextent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicatedto be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entiretyherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for refilling a dispenser bottle with afluid, the method comprising: coupling an adapter fitting to thedispenser bottle; coupling the adapter fitting to a reservoir containingthe fluid; transferring a quantity of the fluid from the reservoir,through the adapter fitting, and into the dispenser bottle; and ventingthe dispenser bottle via at least one orifice in the adapter fittingduring the transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenserbottle.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein venting the dispenser bottlevia at least one orifice in the adapter fitting further comprisesventing the dispenser bottle via a plurality of orifices in the adapterfitting.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein venting the dispenser bottlefurther comprises venting the dispenser bottle in a directionsubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the adapter fitting andaway from the dispenser bottle.
 4. The method of claim 1, whereincoupling the adapter fitting to the dispenser bottle further comprisesinserting a first portion of the adapter fitting into the dispenserbottle.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the adapter fittingto the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises inserting aportion of the reservoir into the adapter.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the reservoir containing thefluid further comprises inserting a first portion of the adapter fittinginto the reservoir.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein coupling theadapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprisesinserting a second portion of the adapter fitting into the dispenserbottle.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling the adapter fittingto the reservoir containing the fluid further comprises coupling threadson the adapter fitting into threads on the reservoir.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein coupling the adapter fitting to the dispenser bottlefurther comprises coupling threads on the dispenser bottle into threadsin the adapter fitting.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein coupling theadapter fitting to the reservoir containing the fluid further comprisescoupling a valve assembly to the adapter and coupling the reservoircontaining the fluid to the valve assembly.
 11. The method of claim 8,further comprising: prior to transferring the quantity of fluid, openingthe valve assembly.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprisingdeforming the reservoir so as to increase pressure in the reservoir topromote the transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenserbottle.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising orienting thereservoir in an inverted orientation and orienting the dispenser bottlein an upright orientation so that the quantity of the fluid istransferred in a downward direction from the reservoir into thedispenser bottle.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising hangingthe reservoir in the inverted orientation.
 15. A method for refilling adispenser bottle with a viscous fluid, the method comprising: providinga flexible reservoir containing the viscous fluid, the flexiblereservoir formed from a plurality of flexible membrane panels includingtwo or more bottom panels that form a gusseted base configured tosupport the flexible reservoir in an upright orientation when placed ona horizontal support surface; placing the flexible reservoir in aninverted orientation, wherein the viscous fluid does not flow out of theflexible reservoir through an open orifice in the flexible reservoir;and deforming the flexible reservoir so as to increase pressure in theflexible reservoir to eject a quantity of the viscous fluid through theopen orifice into the dispenser bottle.